Police Officer Dennis Earl Hill, Des Moines Police Department, Iowa

Police Officer Dennis Earl Hill

Des Moines Police Department, Iowa

End of Watch Sunday, August 28, 1977

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Dennis Earl Hill

Officer Dennis Hill was shot and killed after he and his partner responded to a shots fired call at Thirteenth Street and Mondamin Avenue at 4 am.

As they approached the scene in the patty wagon, they pulled up next to the victim. The suspect was hiding in nearby bushes and immediately opened fire three times with a shotgun, striking Officer Hill in the head. Other officers responded to the "Officer Down" call, and another shootout ended with one other officer being wounded and the suspect being killed.

Officer Hill was a United States Army Vietnam and Iowa National Guard veteran and had served with the Des Moines Police Department for five years. He was survived by his wife, two young children, and his parents. His father also served with the Des Moines Police Department.

Bio

Age 30
Tour 5 years
Badge 118
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Shotgun
Offender Shot and killed

shots fired call, ambush

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Most Recent Reflection

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The movie "Heaven's Heroes" which was based on the events of Dennis Hill's life and death inspired me to get involved in policing. After 10 years of church ministry, I joined the Milwaukee Police Department where I had the privilege of serving the community I grew up in.

P.O. Hoover
Milwaukee Police Department / Wisconsin State Fair Police Department

December 9, 2025